By HeapNews
Nigeria’s Bar Association Anti-Corruption Committee (NBAA-CC) on Tuesday joined global commemorations of International Anti-Corruption Day, vowing to intensify its push for stronger enforcement of anti-graft laws and deeper collaboration with the country’s judiciary and government institutions.
In a statement marking the day, the committee reaffirmed its commitment to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), urging Nigeria to give full effect to its provisions. “The full domestication and vigorous implementation of the UNCAC remains a major commitment that deserves urgent national priority,” said Babafemi Badejo, chairman of the NBAA-CC.
Badejo welcomed a recent declaration by Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun on strengthening the rule of law, calling it essential to tackling graft. “The Rule of Law is the most potent weapon against corruption,” he said. “But it cannot thrive under the current level of corruption in Nigeria.”
He said the committee was ready to work “collaboratively with the CJN, the entire judiciary, and all arms of government” to turn those pledges into real reforms. The NBA has recently established Anti-Corruption Committees across all its state branches to strengthen accountability efforts at the grassroots.
These committees, the statement said, are supporting whistle-blowers, driving community awareness, and assisting in the prosecution of corruption cases. Across the country, several branches have rolled out new initiatives. In Anambra State, the Idemili Branch is honouring “the most dedicated Registrars” in its courts to encourage ethical conduct, while the Kaduna and Barnawa branches are partnering with agencies including the EFCC, NSCDC and NDLEA and running radio and television campaigns in Hausa and English to raise public awareness.
The Ikorodu Branch has also intensified its anti-corruption advocacy. “Corruption is not normal. It cannot be normal. It must never become our trend,” Badejo said. “It is a cankerworm that destroys development and undermines justice.”
The committee urged citizens, public officials, civil society and legal professionals to reject apathy and join the fight. “The time for collective action, fortified by the law and driven by integrity, is now,” Badejo said.